(Conference delegates can reserve a ticket to this event via the registration portal.)

As attention spans shrink the ability to engage others with science is getting harder, but does this have to be the case? Whether it is Archimedes taking a bath or an apple falling on Newton’s head, stories are far more engaging and easier to remember than the facts science has to offer.

The ABC, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Science Communicators, and BrisScience are bringing Australia’s top scientists and communicators together to explore the storytelling of science. See the best in the nation tell their own story of science, and drive their discussion on the stories behind cutting edge science. From the origin of the universe to the exciting technologies that will change our future, this event is one story you will want to hear.

Please note that this is a ticketed event. Tickets SOLD OUT.

Time: 3 – 6pm, Sunday 2 February, 2014
Venue: Edge Auditorium, The Edge, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane
Registration: Tickets are $20 and available online. Numbers are strictly limited so get in quickly!
Refreshments: There will be an intermission where drinks and food will be served.
Questions? For any further information please contact Andrew

Launch of the Science Art Exhibition: SPECTRUM

6:00pm Monday 3rd February. (Open to delegates only.)

The SPECTRUM exhibition will run for the entire ASC2014 conference.

From artwork to illustration to diagrams, visuals play a significant role in science communication. They tell stories, emphasise points, convey messages. They also engage you, inspire you and give pause for appreciation.

This year, in ASC’s 20th year, we will be hosting yet another science art exhibition “SPECTRUM” to explore the range of art inspired by science, science communication enhanced by artists’ tools and reflections of the sci comm community.

SCINEMA screening – best use of visuals in SCINEMA entries from the past few years

6:00pm Monday 3 February. (Open to delegates only.)

A curated screening of some of the most outstanding SCINEMA films from the past few years. SCINEMA is an international science film festival that explores ways to enhance communication to raise public and stakeholder excitement and trust in science through the medium of film, while also celebrating the scientific advances in film technology itself. Feast your eyes (and thinking heads) on some visually stimulating SCINEMA samples while contemplating what makes a film a science film? What role should art play in a science film? How well do the SCINEMA clips communicate science / attract your interest / teach you something? How would YOUR science look on the big screen?

Poster exhibition

From visualising the world of insects to taking on climate change, our Aussie science communicators are doing amazing things.

At this year’s ASC poster exhibition you can meet others working in overlapping areas, look for inspiration (and ideas to borrow) and find out a little more about what’s going on around the country.

On Monday evening between 6pm and 8pm our poster presenters will be manning their creations and taking questions, so come and find out more the projects on display and the people behind them.

Speed Networking Session

7:00pm Monday 3rd February(Numbers limited. Open to delegates only.)

Brought to you by ASC’s SEQ branch and The University of Queensland.

It can be hard work to get around and meet everyone at a conference. Join 79 other delegates at the BCEC for this coordinated speed networking session. You will have the chance to meet and chat with over half of the attendees as you shift between tables of 8 people.

Community Storytelling Series

Everyone has a story to tell, and a community to whom that story is relevant. Our Community Storytelling Series is designed to give you the confidence and know-how to tell your stories using the tools you already have at hand your iPad, iPhone and other smart phones and tablets. Join Susan Rooney-Harding for this three part series to hone your story capturing and story sharing skills. These sessions are only available to delegates and must be booked.

Wednesday 5th FebruaryA free 3 hour workshop for delegates during the conference.
Held in the conference venue on Wednesday, 10:45am through to 3:30pm with breaks.Note: This course is a pre-requisite for Part 3 being held on Thursday, “iPad/iPhone movie making using your iPads and iPhones”.

Thursday 6th February.
A one day post-conference workshop [9:30am – 5:30pm including a 1hr break]. Cost: $150.Note: “The art and practice of story capturing” on Wednesday is a pre-requisite for this course
Hosted by The Edge [limited to the first 20 RSVPs] 2 SEATS LEFT & THEN FULL.

Susan Rooney-Harding, Creative Director/Producer of Inspireevery1 ProductionSusan Rooney-Harding is a Multimedia Producer with vast experience in community story telling and has equipped multiple communities and individuals with the skills to create digital content for multi platform use. Content that she has created has been seen on several websites, News 24, Landline, ABC Online, ABC Open and ABC Rural. http://inspireevery1productions.com/

Interview Booth

Have you got a story you’d love to promote to the media but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’re stuck for an angle for your media release or want feedback on your interview technique?

At the ASC Conference Interview Booth you can speak to a working science journalist about the story you or your organisation wants the world to know.

In a one-on-one session with a journalist you might choose to get feedback on a media statement, test out your interview skills, chat about possible angles to take with your story or ask anything else you’ve always wanted to know about the mainstream media.

SCOM BOMB

When you’ve ASC’d all day, when your brain is fit to burst with science communication goodness, what do you need? You need SCOM BOMB!

Coming LIVE to a 2014 ASC Conference near you, the vaguely good SCOM BOMB Doctors Rod Lamberts and Will Grant present ***SCOM BOMB LIVE*** – a three times only daily wrap up presented at the end of each day at the ASC Conference.

What will happen? Rod and Will dissect and digest the learnings, lessons and laughs of the conference day. (They will also put on some delicious drinks)

Where will it happen? Various conference locations, watch for daily announcements on #ASC2014

SCOM BOMB lives at nofunnybusiness.net, a new place for exploring science communication issues, highlighting science communication successes, and engaging your networks and public in online science commentary and events.

Funded by Inspiring Australia, No Funny Business is a community owned site managed by team members from three organisations: the Australian Science Communicators, the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU and ScienceRewired.

No Funny Business is currently seeking stories and storytellers without a platform, so if this is you, get in touch with the team at nofunnybusiness.net

Already you can share your view, schedule hosted discussions and include your project for the world to see.

The site is shared across a professional network of thousands, providing you a platform for science views that matter.

Post Conference Drinks

We are holding a social get-together at The Fox Hotel on Wednesday 5 February 2014 for conference attendees and local ASC members. Friends, colleagues and family are welcome to attend. Come along, meet other like-minded people and join the conversation after the conference. We’ll also draw the winners of the conference raffle.

Tour of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

ASC2014 conference delegates have an opportunity to go on a private tour of the QIMR Berghofer facilities. We thank our colleagues at QIMR Berghofer for this wonderful invitation.

Established in 1945 by the Queensland Government, the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (formerly the Queensland Institute of Medical Research) is a world leading translational research institute focused on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and a range of complex diseases. Working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, their aim is to improve health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies.

QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 700 scientists, students and support staff in six research departments (in over 50 separate laboratories) and a support division.

What will happen?
We start with a small presentation where you will learn about QIMR Berghofer and our research highlights. Then we take you upstairs to view a wet lab space and chat to one of our researchers. We will take you through our Scientific Services lab to see how they assist researchers all over Australia. Then we will finish with a visit to our Education Lab with our Education Co-ordinator.

Information for guests prior to their arrival includes:

Any guests who are unsteady on their feet, use a walking aid or wheelchair will need to let us know ahead of time so that we can plan suitable spaces to visit. There is some walking involved and you may be standing in a lab for 20 minutes or more.

On the day any guests participating in the lab visit must wear closed in shoes.